The provision of hearing aids in France (and the UK - we don't know?) is famously expensive. UFC-Que Choisir - French equivalent of Which? - has investigated the firms offering audio prostheses and believe that margins are up to 450% the price at which the devices are bought.
There is a shortage of specialists, but this is partly caused by the industry's practices making it difficult for newcomers to enter the profession. Profits are also generated by maintenance contracts and finance packages.
The association representing the profession has made no comment, but the minister for health has promised to look into it.
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